Charities are warning the elderly to stay indoors because of the Arctic wind chill.

Up to an inch of snow fell in the North and in Scotland in the early hours of yesterday, with three inches helping to boost business at the ski centre in Cairngorm, Highlands, which opened its slopes for the season.

Yesterday the temperature plunged to -7C in Shap, Cumbria – England’s coldest so far this winter.

Forecasters said today would be even colder, predicting -8C in the early morning with afternoon peaks of only 3C for many in the South and zero degrees in parts of Scotland.

Netweather said temperatures would feel up to 5C colder because of wind chill.

The Met Office also issued a severe weather alert, warning there could be problems for transport in parts of the UK.

Another 2cm of snow is expected in Norfolk and the East.

A Met Office spokesman said: “An Atlantic frontal system will meet very cold air over the UK, with rain expected to turn to snow across parts of Scotland and northern England, with snow lasting three to six hours.

“The public should also be aware of possible disruption to transport.” The Department of Health advised the elderly, ill and vulnerable to stay indoors as an amber Government health warning was issued.

Around 4,000 more people died last winter than in the summer, most of them elderly. Health workers in the North-East have been told to stay in contact with those vulnerable to the cold and icy conditions.

The Department of Health’s amber cold weather alert advice states: “At-risk people should avoid going outdoors unless necessary, keep active and move around indoors as much as they can.”